February 23, 2021

Is gene editing the answer scientists have been looking for to eliminate diseases such as HIV?  

A research team at Temple University and Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) has focused  on removing DNA from viruses, one of the main ways  a virus survives treatments. Now, they’ve seen promising results  that may lead to a cure for HIV.  

The team has employed CRISPR technology, best described as “molecular scissors,” which can precisely cut and remove specific segments of DNA. When attached to a mild adeno-associated virus, these gene editing shears can be sent into the body to cut and remove  DNA from viruses, including HIV.  

They tested this on nonhuman primates infected with  simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), a disease genetically similar  to HIV, and observed that the  gene editing molecules were able to enter SIV viral reservoirs in the lymph, spleen, bone marrow and brain to prevent the cells from making new virus within these reservoirs. 

Within just three weeks, the new treatment had eliminated nearly two-thirds of the virus that had managed to resist the antiretroviral therapy (ART) many HIV patients receive.  

Andrew MacLean, PhD, one of the principal investigators of the research project and associate professor of microbiology and immunology at TNPRC, views this as evidence a cure for HIV is a real possibility. 

“This is an important development in what we hope will be an end to HIV/AIDS,” MacLean said. “The next step is to evaluate this treatment over a longer period to determine if we can achieve complete elimination of the virus, possibly even taking subjects off of ART.” 

Co-corresponding author also includes Dr. Binhua Ling, one of the principal investigators of the research and previous associate professor of microbiology and immunology at TNPRC. Ling is currently an associate professor at Texas Biomedical Research Institute. 

A potential cure for HIV is just the beginning though. These “molecular scissors” will likely play a role in future efforts to cure diseases currently receiving treatments to make them manageable.  

The results are indeed promising, but the work of the NPRCs is never over. They will continue searching for the causes, preventions, treatments and cures leading to longer, healthier lives worldwide. Learn more about our HIV-related studies by visiting this link.